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Tuesday, June 12, 2012

So it is summer time....kids are off of school....days are longer....and what are you going to do?
The summer time is the only time in my life that I wish I was a stay at home mom!! I really do! I use to work in the school system...and I was off each summer...and this is the only time I secretly still wish I was employed by them (come August I will be thanking God for my job!!)

There is just so much I want to do with my kids when they are off of school and I can't cram it all in a weekend...I need the week days too!! (Any ways...off my soap box...because I wouldn't last 2 weeks as a stay at home mom...before I was calling my boss asking for my job back!!)

Any ways....I have been thinking about things that I wanted to do with my soon to be 5 year old and 2 year old this summer...so I planned a June and July calender of events for them (making sure that they are super busy with camps and others activities during the week)....but I began thinking about a little vacation....some place me and the hubby could take the kids for a few days....but... after...last years beach experience....we are still suffering from a little post traumatic stress....so I began thinking a little harder?!!! I like new places....hate doing the same thing over and over (love, love the beach...but don't put me on the same beach every year....it will leave me wanting to discover another one somewhere else!) I want to discover new places....and I want that for my kiddos too!

And then the thoughts started coming....why not discover the great state of Louisiana? No seriously....how many great places in Louisiana have been completely undiscovered by my little family??? So I jotted down the thought....DISCOVER LOUISIANA....

and so the research began for a few days and the planning started....and I thought....I must share this with my fellow bloggers....oh how helpful it might be to someone! Regardless if you are a reader from Louisiana or not....I think this summer list is adaptable for any state...all you have to do is adopt the theme of "Discovering your state"....check out a few key websites I list and you will be on your way!

So here is what I have came up with....keep reading for more details.....

But....first make sure to jot down or bookmark this great site...Family Days Out....click on the link and discover tons of Day Outings for you and your children....in any state in the United States!

Hopefully before school starts....I will be able to scratch off everything...if not....it will continue to roll out throughout the year....because after researching and looking into everything (I think Mommy is just as excited as the kiddos will be!)

1. Swim, Swim, Swim....(ok so I am partial to this one....I have only been teaching and coaching swimming for 13+ years), but any ways....if you live in the Thibodaux/ Houma area....join the Nicholls Pool (it is very cheap for a family membership and the poo1 stays open until Sept...if you are a Nicholls Alumni...membership is super affordable!) If you are not from the area...check out the memberships to your local pools, YMCA, country clubs, or university pool memberships...well worth the investment....especially getting you kids exposed to the water....you can never go wrong!

2. Visit your local library - Most local libraries are completely FREE!! So take advantage of it...especially during the summer months when they offer tons of activities! If you live in Lafourche Parish click on the link for the monthly calendars to all the parish libraries....Free Story time every Wednesday at 10:30 am and 2:00 pm....also Kids Craft days and special summer events! Also here is a link to all libraries in the State of Louisiana (listed out my cities).

3. Visit a Farm in Louisiana - Whether it is a blueberry farm (my personal favorite), organic farm, summer seasonal farm, or a U pick farm (which means a farm that you do all the picking...straight from the trees!)....it is beyond worth it!? Whenever I want to find a farm in LA or any other state...I all go to this website (it is your go to for all farms...with listing of every state in the United States) I have used this site last summer when we traveled to Florida and we stopped by a blueberry farm on the way to the beach! Not only will you get fresh produce/ fruits for literally half the price as in the stores (if not more than that), but it is a great experience for children! My children love, love pickin'....Here is a pic of them a few weeks back at a blueberry farm in Jackson, Louisiana
The farm we visited is named Blueberry Ridge Orchard and it is a U-pick farm and all blueberries are $1.00 per pound....can't beat that!! **Blueberry Season usually starts around Labor Day...and runs throughout the summer...until the end of July** Other fruits that are in season right now....Blackberries, Apples, Grapes, Watermelons, Strawberries (ending usually mid June), and Peaches!

Top left: My Mom and Jacques picking blueberries Top Right: opening season blueberries...ready for picking
Bottom Left: Some of the sweetest blueberries I have picked in a long time Bottom Right: Juliette learning how to pick blueberries!

Jacques has become a little pro at picking! Open milk jugs work really well for holding blueberries while you pick! A full gallon of blueberries = approx. 5lbs...which = $5 at Blueberry Ridge Orchard!